Watch: Farmer know-how: tractor safety

Always wear suitable clothing and footwear when working with machinery. Jim says the first thing you should do before operating the tractor is a walk-around check. If the tractor is parked in a dry place, check underneath to make sure that there are no traces of leaks on the ground, such as oil and water. Check the condition of the tyres looking out for any defects or lacerations that might compromise their integrity. By standing behind the tractor, you ,will be able to compare the tyre pressures of the two back tyres. Similarly standing in front of the tractor allows you to make comparisons between the two front tyres. Other checks to be carried out include the engine oil level, water, diesel and lights. It is best to check the oil when the tractor is cold for a more accurate reading. Make sure to wear nitrile gloves when handling oil to avoid dermatitis.

Make sure to use all the access steps and hand supports when getting in and out of the tractor. Jim says it is best to face the tractor getting in and out so you can visualise where you are heading, avoiding possible injury. When you enter the tractor adjust the seat position, so that you can operate all controls comfortably. All mirrors should be adjusted so you have clear rear view. You may need a second person outside the tractor to adjust the mirrors. The floors, doors and pedals of the tractor should be kept as clean as possible and avoid muck building up in the cab because it can cause an obstruction.

Jim warns not to move the tractor until you are fully aware of how all controls operate and where they are. He says you should make sure there is nobody near you before starting the engine, paying particular attention that children are not in the vicinity. In winter, it is important to take time and clean windows and mirrors to make sure visibility is as good as possible. Double-check blind spots (eg beside rear wheels) to avoid hitting a person or obstacle. Always check that brakes are locked together and are functioning as they should be before making a journey.

Always apply the safe stop procedure before leaving the tractor seat. First, cut back the throttle in good time either with your foot or by using the hand throttle.

Wait until the tractor has slowed sufficiently before moving down gears. Apply the brakes gradually to achieve this. Jim advises to always try and park in a suitable location, preferably a level area. Stop the engine and apply the handbrake. Lower hydraulically mounted equipment such as the front loader and any rear-mounted implements. Remove the key and lock the cab doors.

Jim says that when hitching on a trailer you should only use the controls from the safety of the tractor seat. “Never stand between tractor and other implements or behind them,” he warns. He says people attaching implements must always keep their feet clear from draw bars. When attaching a trailer, make sure when the hitch lifts the draw bar of the trailer that it locks fully. Chock blocks should be removed if used before setting off. It is advisable to have inexperienced people supervised when hitching and unhitching trailers and implements.

For a person to legally drive a tractor on the road they must fulfil the following criteria:

For the majority of farmers, driving tractors is an everyday activity. Many have been driving since around 16 years of age. With everyday use, complacency can kick in, which we are all guilty of. The problem is that tractor-related accidents are the number one cause of farm deaths in Ireland. Farmers need to start paying more attention to safety when it comes to tractor driving, which should help to reduce the chances of having an accident. By trying to implement some of the basic points set out here when using your tractor, you should reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. Macra na Feirme is organising tractor safety and machinery courses as part of its skillnet programme. To book a course online, go to: http://macraskillnet.eventbrite.ie